let it float

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let it float" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to suggest allowing something to remain in a state of uncertainty or to not take immediate action on it. Example: "If you're unsure about the decision, it's best to let it float for a while before making any commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Let it float to its destination.

Yale University

The hope is that the kite will lift Poland up and let it float gently away from its past and toward the prosperity of Europe.

The New York Times - Magazine

As far as other currencies go, there is it likely that Argentina will unhitch its peso from its tie to the dollar and let it float.

The New York Times

To top it off, the administration is still not even sure how to design the building: whether to anchor the bunkerlike structure deep in the mesa or let it "float" up near the surface, its upper part protected by earthen berms.

The New York Times

The United States and Japan have been pushing China to end its practice of pegging its currency, the yuan, to the dollar and let it float or revalue upward.

The New York Times

China said Thursday it will no longer peg its currency to the U.S. dollar, but instead let it float in a tight band against a basket of foreign currencies.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

That is because Beijing has kept the renminbi artificially low by pegging it to the dollar — instead of letting it float to its market level, as most other global currencies do.

The New York Times

Her lush backdrops flaunt instruments and singing, not electronics; they're unhurried and expansive, surrounding her voice with halos of vocal harmony or letting it float on its own.

The New York Times - Arts

He conveyed the essence of aware perhaps more vividly than his successors, but detached the tale from its setting, letting it float somewhere in a misty world of long ago and far away.

The New York Times - Books

But while it rattled many foreign markets a bit, by the time Turkey devalued its currency on Thursday by letting it float freely, it appeared that there would be little lasting fallout from this rocky episode.

The New York Times

See articleThe Russian rouble fell the most in a single day since 1998, prompting the central bank to make its first intervention in support of the currency since letting it float freely in early November.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let it float" in the context of problem-solving or decision-making, allow time for reflection and consider the potential benefits of not immediately intervening. Letting a problem "float" can sometimes reveal unexpected solutions or resolve itself naturally.

Common error

Avoid using "let it float" when decisive action is required. Overusing it can convey indecisiveness or a lack of concern, especially in situations that demand immediate attention or intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it float" primarily functions as an imperative, urging a course of action that involves allowing something to remain in its current state without interference. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. The examples show it used to describe currencies, ideas, and even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "let it float" is a versatile imperative suggesting a deliberate choice to allow something to remain in its current state without immediate interference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. Its primary function is to advise a passive approach, often to observe a natural course or allow for unforeseen developments. Appearing most commonly in News & Media and Academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for a variety of audiences. Remember, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in situations demanding decisive action, where it could convey indecisiveness. Alternatives such as "leave it be", "allow it to drift", or "let it linger" can provide subtle differences in meaning and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave it be

A direct and concise way of suggesting non-interference, urging someone to refrain from action.

allow it to drift

Emphasizes a passive movement without active guidance, highlighting a lack of control or direction.

let it rest

Implies a temporary cessation of activity or concern, allowing something to remain undisturbed.

permit it to hover

Suggests a state of suspension or wavering, often implying a temporary or uncertain situation.

leave it suspended

Focuses on maintaining something in a raised or hanging position, either literally or figuratively.

let it linger

Highlights the prolonged presence of something, whether a thought, feeling, or object.

allow it to meander

Implies a winding or indirect path, suggesting a lack of strict direction or purpose.

permit it to hang loose

Indicates a relaxed or unstructured approach, emphasizing freedom from constraints or obligations.

permit it to lapse

Focuses on allowing something to expire or fade away through neglect or inaction.

allow it to ride

Suggests letting a situation continue without intervention, often in the hope that it will resolve itself.

FAQs

How can I use "let it float" in a sentence?

You can use "let it float" to suggest allowing something to remain in a state of uncertainty, like, "If you're unsure about the decision, it's best to let it float for a while before making any commitments."

What can I say instead of "let it float"?

Alternatives include "leave it be", "allow it to linger", or "allow it to drift", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "let it float"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest allowing something to remain in its current state without immediate intervention, often to observe its natural course or allow for unforeseen developments.

Is "letting it float" grammatically correct?

Yes, "letting it float" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct, often used to describe the act of allowing something to remain in a state of flux or uncertainty. For example, "The company is considering "letting it float" for a while before making a decision."